Going meatless… gradually

We're getting ready for our Viva La Vegan class – which starts Monday!

Sign up now

and you'll be ready to go on Monday morning!

Sign up with a friend (or get a friend to sign up)

and enter each other in the drawing for a FREE Vitamix!

Details here.

The Viva La Vegan class is a great place to learn about veganism (animal-free eating and living), and it's for everyone. You don't need to be a vegan (or vegan-ish, or vegetarian, or any other label)… you just need to want to know more, and to want excellent recipes! Yes, eating less meat (or no meat) can be delicious.

Marilu recommends that we eat less animal protein as a way to lower our intake of saturated fats, avoid animal hormones and avoid environmental toxins. Red meat is especially difficult to digest, and is the easiest to cut out of your menus. Red meat is considered beef, pork, lamb, venison, etc. (Poultry and fish are not considered red meat, although you'll want to look for organic poultry and ocean fish.)

Eating less animal protein can be a gradual process. You don't have to change everything at once. Get used to new flavors and textures in your food at your own pace. (Class coaches Jan and Kyra will support you in this!)

Here is Marilu's chart for going meatless (from Total Health Makeover®, chapter 1).

BEGINNER * Allow yourself one portion of red meat or pork a day. This includes anything from a cow, pig or lamb. (Don't be fooled by those "other white meat" ads for pork. Pork is nearly as dense as beef.) Also, don't become Mr. Venison, either. Add more fish or chicken to your diet.

INTERMEDIATE * Limit your red meat and pork consumption to three times a week. Try to eat only free-range poultry and meat whenever possible.

ADVANCED * Eliminate all red meat and pork from your diet. Make sure your poultry is free-range and your fish is from unpolluted waters whenever possible. Experiment with vegetarian meals.

MAKEOVER MANIAC * Eliminate meat completely from your life. Even counting sheep is forbidden.

 

If you need some simple ideas to get started on a lifestyle that reduces or eliminates animal protein, try the following… and get to class on Monday!

Switch from red meat to poultry and fish.

Use poultry or fish as a compliment to the main dish, not as the main dish itself.

Prepare meatless meals that you are familiar with, such as bean burritos, pasta salads, and veggie stir-fries.

Transition by eating meat less frequently. Start with breakfasts that are meatless, then incorporate meatless lunches as well.

Substitute fresh vegetables for meat in recipes. Vegetarian chili made with Portobello mushrooms is excellent.

Try meat substitutes in moderation. Many supermarkets carry a variety of soy and grain alternatives to hamburger, hot dogs and lunch meats.

Try new types of cuisine. Many ethnic cuisines offer meat-free dishes; you may not miss the meat when you have new flavors to entice you.